Oppo is reportedly preparing to enter the handheld smart imaging device market, expanding beyond smartphones into a category currently dominated by compact gimbal and action cameras.
According to a report by Blue Whale Media, the company has internally approved development of a dedicated handheld gimbal camera under the codename “Fuyao.” The project is said to be in active development, with a commercial launch targeted for the fourth quarter of this year.
Possible debut alongside Find X10 series
Sources familiar with the matter say Oppo may unveil its first gimbal camera alongside the upcoming Find X10 smartphone series, which is expected to debut around October. While no official announcement has been made, the timing suggests Oppo could position the new device as part of a broader push into advanced imaging hardware.
The report adds that Oppo is allocating significant resources to the project, leveraging its experience in mobile imaging, computational photography, and camera hardware optimisation—areas where the company has invested heavily in recent years.
Smartphone brands move into standalone cameras
Oppo is not alone in exploring this space. Other major smartphone manufacturers are also reportedly developing handheld camera products, signalling a potential shift in the market.
Vivo is said to have begun work on its own gimbal camera project late last year, with prototypes already completing the moulding stage. Vivo is also reportedly developing a separate vlogging-focused camera, which could launch alongside the Vivo X500 series in September.
Honor has already entered the segment through its broader ecosystem platform, offering imaging devices beyond traditional smartphones.
Competition could reshape the market
Industry analysts believe the entry of smartphone brands could significantly alter a market currently led by established camera specialists such as DJI and Insta360.
Smartphone manufacturers may have competitive advantages, including advanced imaging algorithms, AI-based processing, tight control over supply chains, and extensive offline retail networks. These strengths could allow them to deliver feature-rich, compact imaging devices at more aggressive price points.
Market continues to grow
According to data from IDC cited in the report, global shipments of handheld smart cameras—including gimbal cameras, action cameras, and panoramic devices—reached 16.65 million units in 2025.
The segment has shown strong year-on-year growth, with gimbal cameras identified as the fastest-growing category. DJI reportedly held about 62% of the global market, while Insta360 accounted for nearly 12%.
With smartphone brands now preparing to enter the space, analysts expect competition to intensify, potentially accelerating innovation and driving prices lower for consumers.
